As Australia's second-largest inland city and the gateway to Queensland's resources rich South-West, Toowoomba is a strategic outpost for governments and their service departments.
LJ Hooker Commercial Toowoomba recently facilitated the lease of l080sqm of office space in the central business district to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (Queensland).
Toowoomba is a command post for many transport providers servicing the primary industries throughout the state's west, as well as New South Wales' north-west. The lease, over two levels at 8-10 Russell Street, adds
to a long-list of solutions LJ Hooker Commercial Toowoomba has provided to both state and federal departments in the region.
"There was a refit of 8-10 Russell to accommodate DTMR, and we were also able to facilitate temporary accommodation while the refit occurred," said leasing agent and agency Director Julie Stewart.
"There's a number of requirements that governments have with their workplaces, including a NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) rating."
In general, Mrs Stewart said government departments had a history of housing office staff in proximity to other commercial ventures, providing economic benefits to the surrounding area.
"Russell Street includes, and is surrounded by a lot of cafes, takeaways and other retailers. So, having a major employer of the likes of DTMR in the CBD can contribute positively to the turnover of neighbouring businesses."
In addition to Toowoomba's geographic proximity to primary industries - within a four-hour drive of the city are productive areas for grain, beef and gas - infrastructure investments have made the region
a popular base for public workforces.
"The livestock industry is restocking and crop farmers are benefitting from good seasonal conditions, which is underpinning a lot of activity in the area," said Mrs Stewart. "And the gas industry is benefitting from global demand, especially as the Northern Hemisphere enters its long winter.
"But in addition to what's happening in primary industries, we have major infrastructure investments in the area and government departments naturally follow these additions.
"We have the international airport at Wellcamp, the Second Range Crossing and we'll welcome the Inland Rail in coming years.
"Toowoomba plays an important role in the Queensland economy and government services are a major contributor to our overall workforce.
"We're proud to work with governments of all levels to provide solutions to their needs."
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